Spartan Heart, Part One

by Kristine Cheney

  “You’re a knock-out, Taryn!”

  Taryn’s smile was glamorous. Placing her hands on her hips, she struck a pose. Her rich iridescent hunter green gown was provocative; it hung from her left shoulder. The fabric was tight across her full breasts, cradling her hips and curves. Her eye makeup was gold, outlined in hunter and kohl liner. Thick curls were pinned up, allowing a few errant highlights to crown her face and neck. Her necklace and earrings were full of emeralds and diamonds. The color made Evangeline shiver. It made her think of Dorien’s eyes.

  Taryn’s gaze swept the length of Evangeline’s body. Her cat eyes didn’t get very far. They stopped cold when they reached the voluptuous bounty of her chest.

  “Where’d you find those hooters, girl?”

  Evangeline rolled her eyes, stifling a giggle. She would cut the tongue out of her mouth before admitting her recent need for last minute alterations. Taryn offered the crook of her arm.

  “So, I guess you’re my hot date for tonight?”

  Evangeline laugh was hearty. She locked arms with her best friend. “There’s only one other person who could ever take your place.”

  “Speaking of your elusive Devil, do I finally get to meet this mystery man tonight? I still can’t believe you’ve been able to hide him from me this long. I must meet the rogue who puts this smile on your gorgeous face! The way you talk about him, he must be something. I wish I could find someone who could make my toes curl! I’m happy for you, Evan. You deserve every good thing, my friend.”

  Evangeline pouted. “I’m afraid he had business to attend to tonight! I’m so sorry.”

  Taryn looked wounded.

  “I promise I’ll introduce him as soon as possible, all right?”

  “Well, as long as you promise.”

  Upon entry of the museum, their mouths dropped in unison. The ballroom looked magical, transporting them back in time. The décor was better than Evangeline could have ever envisioned. With what little description she had given to Lady Blackstone, the woman was amazing. This was the very reason she was the event coordinator of all London. Her taste was exquisite, and her visionary talents were second to none. If Evan hinted at the theme she wanted, Lady Blackstone could bring it to life.

  Evangeline scanned in every detail. The room had been transformed into a lush outdoor paradise. Lighted trees were ambient, full of swollen purple jacaranda blooms. Lady Blackstone had integrated every piece of Greco artwork and statues given for her disposal. Large priceless vases held lush ferns. The dance floor was modeled after the Parthenon.

  Free-flowing fountains and pillars were everywhere. Sheer draperies hung sporadic against the walls. Timeless pieces of artwork and expensive Greek décor lavished the senses. The tables were round, allowing seating for eight. All were adorned with sheer iridescent gold tablecloths, topped with lit fountains. Candles were adorned with various shells from the sea. The tableware had the look of cracked antique marble. Various sizes of wine glasses waited to be filled. The drifting promise of succulent foods hung in the air, teasing of what was to come.

  Evangeline’s hand flew to her stomach. Hunger pains assaulted her, making her belly growl in anger.

  Taryn stopped and narrowed her eyes. “Was that your stomach I just heard?”

  Evangeline looked away in embarrassment. “I’m afraid it was.”

  “Well, we had better top you off at the veggie platter before we begin to make our rounds. I can’t have you growling at me until dinnertime!”

  Evangeline filled her small plate with bright baby carrots, flowery broccoli heads, and small sticks of celery.

  “Hold on Taryn, I need to get some ranch.”

  “Ranch? But I thought you hated ranch?”

  “I do! But I want some!”

  Taryn’s look suggested Evangeline had just lost her mind. Shrugging her shoulders, Evangeline dipped a baby carrot knuckle-deep in ranch and popped it into her mouth.

  Guests made their entrance. Smiles and laughter accompanied the swooshing of colorful costumed gowns. The clinking of silverware warned tables were filling fast. Masculine chuckles hung in the air, full of merriment. Taryn found their table near the dance floor. Reserved with an embellished “Montgomery” sign, they both pulled out a seat. Evangeline shoved a few ranch-dipped broccoli heads into her mouth.

  “Can’t you wait for dinner?”

  “Sorry! But I’m just so hungry.”

  “Didn’t you eat anything before we left?”

  “I did.”

  “Oh? What did you eat?”

  “A couple of corn dogs.”

  Taryn’s look of disgust said it all. It was obvious her best friend wasn’t quite finished yet. “First she’s answering the phone with “Hello.” Then she’s eating corn dogs. Did the American’s teach you anything refined at Princeton?”

  Evangeline enjoyed watching loose caramel curls bounce as her best friend tried to make her point. “Shut up, Taryn. You are a half-breed yourself. Your father was a Yank and a Frenchie!

  That seemed to shut her up.

  Taryn rolled her eyes. After all, the subject of her father was a very sore subject.

  “Well keep eating and you’ll need a bigger dress to accommodate those boobs!”

  Too late…already done that!

  “Okay, I’m done until dinnertime. Really, I’m good.” Evangeline pushed her plate back, wiping her hands clean with a thick cotton napkin.

  “Are you sure? We could have them carve a lamb right here for you, if you like.”

  The lights dimmed. The orchestra began to play a soft, welcoming tune. Voices hushed as hands clapped. The enchantment of the night was about to weave its spell. Multi-colored lights floated above the Parthenon dance floor. Hues of blue, purple, pink and gold were dramatic, romantic. So decadent, it was breathtaking.

  Catering staff attended every table. Glasses were filled with wine, champagne, tea, and coffee. Accepting a cup of coffee, Evangeline smiled. An American habit, most English preferred their tea. But the coffee reminded her of her father. She learned to love the strong brew while in Jersey.

  The coffee cup brushed against her lips. Evangeline clinked the cup against her saucer, shoving it aside. The strong aroma caused instant trauma to her senses. Fighting the overwhelming urge to gag, her eyes watered. Delicate fingers grabbed a fresh glass of ice water. She drank the wretched smell away from her face.

  “Are you okay, Evan? You look flushed!”

  “I’m good!” She lied, gulping down the whole glass of water.”

  “Then come with me to the bar. I don’t want to walk alone.”

  “All right…let’s go.”

  Evangeline acknowledged the many nods and bows of approval and respect as she passed. The coy points and stares didn’t escape her attention. Fighting the warmth of her blush, she was sure everyone knew who she was.

  Taryn’s hands looked like that of a child’s in comparison to the size of her mammoth exotic drink. “Can you believe they actually call this thing Sex on the Beach? What a delightful idea!” Taryn slurped the delicious concoction through her straw.

  Smiling like a cat who ate a canary, Evangeline found her moment of vengeance. “Would you like a nipple for that drink?”

  “Ha! Ha! Very funny, Evan,” Taryn giggled. “Touché!”

  It was a short walk back to their table. The band played a lovely waltz. A hand seized around Evangeline’s wrist. Unable to identify him from the back of his chocolate head, she wriggled helpless, unable to escape the trek to the dance floor. Reaching the dance floor, her captor turned and faced her. She winced in recognition.

  “Andrew, please! I don’t want to dance with you!”

  But the dance had already begun. It was too late to back out now. She refused to allow him to goad her into causing a scene. Picking up her step, she held the hem of her gown. She growled as Andrew’s arm wrapped tight around her waist. He seized opportunity. His handsome smile was devious. He pulled her body flush against him. Evangelin
e turned her head in distaste. She hated the sick heat of his body. She preferred the feel of something much cooler against her flesh.

  “A real gentleman knows it’s polite to ask a lady to dance.”

  The devilish rogue actually had the nerve to smile.

  If only she could knock out one of his perfect pearled teeth.

  “My apologies, Evangeline. But I knew if I’d asked you to dance, your answer would have been no.

  Evangeline’s eyebrows rose. Andrew never ceased to amaze her. Even still, the man was so arrogant.

  “And what part of that did you not understand?”

  “You have no idea how much I enjoy dancing with you. I swear you look like an angel! An absolute vision!”

  His gaze was far too bold. It wandered down the front of her dress. Evangeline tried not to breathe. Andrew held her so tight her breasts bulged, crushing flat against his chest.

  “Your body looks so amazing. Did you get your breasts done?”

  Evangeline sucked in a horrified breath. “How dare you!”

  Trying to escape his uninvited embrace, Andrew spun her quick and returned her to the prison of his arms. Evangeline’s eyes narrowed into slits. She hoped he would be hit by a freak falling chandelier. Unfazed by her glare, he continued to twirl her around the dance floor. Warm breath permeated her ear. Her stomach rumbled in objection. She fought the urge to gag.

  “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are when you’re angry?”

  She resisted the urge to slap his handsome face. The sounds of commotion drifted from the ballroom entrance. Women gasped and giggled. Men muttered, clearing their throats. You could hear the sharp intakes of breath. All heads turned in unison, but the dancers never skipped a beat. Gliding across the dance floor, Evangeline craned her neck and saw nothing. Her focus back on the dance, it was still so hard to breathe. Andrew insisted on pressing close against her.

  “You don’t have to drool!”

  Blue eyes flickered on her assets. “Oh, but my dear, the view is so delicious.”

  “I’ve had enough of you! Release me!”

  Andrew chuckled. “I’m afraid our dance is only half over, Evangeline.”

  She wiggled her hands, but Andrew’s grip tightened. Her wrists began to burn. Evangeline stopped dancing. So did everyone else. The music stopped abrupt. Glancing around in discomfort, she bit her bottom lip. Did she cause a scene? Her glare returned to Andrew. The bloke still held her captive.

  Someone’s pale, cold hand encircled her captured wrist. Another found Andrew’s arm, forcing him to release his constraint. Evangeline fell back, her dress gliding after her. In cat-like reflex, a muscled arm caught her waist and held her steady. She gazed up at her rescuer. Moaning in stunned recognition, Evangeline almost fainted.

  Dorien!

  Andrew refused to release his hold on her other wrist. Jewel-green eyes turned dark and menacing. Dorien’s tone was lethal.

  “The lady asked you to release her!”

  Andrew glared daggers at Dorien. His demeanor was smug. “But we’re not finished dancing!”

  Dorien growled in the back of his throat. His massive height and girth towered over Andrew. “Unhand her or you will answer to me, pup!” His tone promised war.

  Andrew dropped her wrist. An arrogant smile boasted his anticipation of a quick victory. Evangeline hoped he didn’t rely on a lifetime of fencing to get him through a fisticuffs battle with Dorien. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who the winner of that battle would be.

  Andrew threw an errant punch. His fist landed square in the center of Dorien’s massive chest. Dorien never moved a muscle. But Andrew howled aloud in sudden pain. Evangeline swore she had heard the bones shatter.

  Andrew looked around in shock and embarrassment, even whimpered like a puppy. Holding his formless hand to his chest, he ran across the dance floor. You could hear the muffled echo of his cries as he bolted from the museum.

  The conductor paid heed to Dorien’s nod. The sweetest hums of orchestra drifted in the air. Colorful costumed dancers resumed their dance positions. It was as if nothing was amiss. Dorien circled her like an animal. Green eyes flashed like gemstones. Feeling hunted, he made it hard to breathe. But she loved it; the way he made her feel like she was all his. Forever more, she would gladly be his prey.

  Dorien stopped his prowl. His raven head bowing low, he was so gracious. Evangeline responded with a deep curtsy. Her hand rested on his shoulder. She accepted his outstretched hand and allowed him to lead. He carried her into a new waltz. Andrew’s body had been uncomfortable and hot. But Dorien’s cold touch soothed her to her soul. His gaze danced with passion. A large muscled arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. She moaned, allowing her body to relax against him. His cold breath danced on her ear and neck. Her belly full of flutters, her spine tingled in delight. Her eyes gazed down the length of him. She drank of his costume. Evangeline’s breath caught in her throat.

  He was the cause of all the commotion!

  His sculpted muscled body was massive. Deliciously half-naked in his authentic Spartan warrior costume, he was breath-taking in his coverlet, cloak, and sandals. His hair was black as raven. His vivid emerald stare missed nothing. Pale skin made him look like a Greek god. His face was perfect like alabaster. Every line and detail made you want to stare. The rich crimson of his cloak didn’t miss her attention. It matched the color of her gown…so perfect.

  “How did you know the color?”

  Black eyebrows arched. A chuckle escaped. “You have to ask?”

  Her eyes caressed him. The heat of her blush filled her cheeks. His body was more exposed than it was covered. She hoped every woman in attendance would recover from the sight of the most beautiful half-naked man on the planet. Her dress flared a full crimson circle. He twirled her effortlessly around the dance floor. Admiring his grace, she caught him staring at her jewelry. Recognition seemed to hit him. His rakish grin promised many secrets.

  “May I ask where you purchased your jewelry? It makes you look like a queen.”

  “Thank you, but I didn’t buy it. This set has passed many generations on my mother’s side.”

  Dorien whispered in her ear. “Would you believe me if I told you who the first person was to wear that set?”

  She shivered. “Okay, I’ll bite.” She held her breath in anticipation.

  “If this jewelry passed down in your family, then you are a direct descendant of Gorgo. That would explain the rare copper color of your eyes.”

  “What about my eyes?”

  “Gorgo’s eyes were the same color of copper. Naturally some of her descendants would inherit the color…as well as the jewelry. Dorien spun her around. His grip was firm, pulling her tight against his chest.

  “You do have the most vivid imagination, Dorien,” she flirted.

  He appeared wounded, as if he had been stabbed in the heart.

  “It is fine if you don’t believe me.”

  Evangeline changed the subject. “I didn’t know you knew how to waltz.”

  “You never asked, my love.”

  “When did you learn?”

  “About fifteen minutes ago.”

  Her eyebrows came together. “What?”

  “I watched everyone dance for a few minutes. It clicked.” He said with a naughty wink.

  She laughed and entered another twirl. He kissed her deep before releasing her to circle. She could feel the stares of those around them. Gazes were following them.

  “I thought you weren’t coming. You said you were busy!” She pouted her crimson lips.

  “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything, Evangeline.”

  Her heart melted.

  “After all, you did want me to see you in this dress!”

  Remembering her wish, she was stunned. “You naughty, Peeping Tom! There’s no way that you could have known that.” Evangeline slipped a beat in her dance. But Dorien caught her effortlessly. He swung her back in step. She fel
t as if she were in a daze.

  “Can you blame me? I have the most beautiful woman ever created in my arms. You have placed yourself deep inside my heart. In all honesty, how can you expect me to stay away from you? I never want to spend a single moment without you, Evangeline Montgomery. You are far more lovely than any goddess immortalized in history.”

  His raven eyelashes lowered. His piercing gaze took its time to regard her body. But she didn’t mind. Instead, she shivered. Despite the softest silk of her gown, it was suddenly hard to breathe.

  “You are radiant, my love. I am the envy of every man in this room. If you don’t believe me, look around. See how desired you are.”

  Dancing the last of their waltz, Evangeline allowed her gaze to sweep the room. He was right. All eyes were on her. Heat filled her cheeks. All the dancers stopped. The room erupted in generous applause. Dorien placed his large palm against the small of her back. He escorted her from the dance floor.

  “Dorien?”

  His knowing chuckle made her belly flutter. “Yes, Evan. I will meet your beloved Taryn. I have wanted to meet her for some time.”

  “How do you always know what I’m going to say? It’s getting scary.”

  “It is a gift…and a curse.” He bowed, smiling like a rake.

  He led her back to her table. As always, Dorien was right on cue. She should have known he would know right where to take her. Taryn’s eyes grew wide as saucers as they approached the table. Evangeline fought the temptation to jump up and down like she had won the lottery.